Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Wakefield Elementary Transfer topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
South Kingstown officials say Wakefield Elementary cleared; turnover to town anticipated next meeting
Summary
Superintendent Michael Pedraza reported Wakefield Elementary has been cleared of district property and said the district expects to present a motion at its next meeting to transfer custody and control of the building to the town, pending town acceptance and final steps including recovery of a time capsule.
Superintendent Michael Pedraza told the South Kingstown School Committee that Wakefield Elementary has been cleared of district-owned property and that the district expects to seek formal transfer of custody and control of the building to the town at the committee’s next meeting.
Pedraza said district staff completed final walkthroughs and used state surplus sites (govdeals) to sell remaining items, adding that most sales yielded minimal proceeds. “The building is now clear of district property,” Pedraza said. He thanked district staff, interim facilities personnel and former finance director Ryan Kilpatrick, and thanked Mark Russo, the town facilities superintendent, for coordinating with district staff on the final steps.
The superintendent said Dr. Joseph Da Silva confirmed required notices about the closure had been given while the prior superintendent was in office. Pedraza also said the district had contacted Mario Gonsalves to document future steps but had not received a reply yet. He said the district will keep an eye on a time capsule that remains at the site; facilities staff member Mr. Gould reported a personal connection to items in the capsule and plans to reclaim them.
Pedraza said the town manager’s acceptance will be required for the town to assume ongoing maintenance costs and that the district expects to bring a motion at the next meeting to transfer custody and control of Wakefield Elementary, barring further communications from the state. He also said staff are documenting plaques and other items so anything of value or historical importance can be moved or preserved.
Committee members thanked staff for the work. No formal transfer vote occurred at the meeting; Pedraza said the committee may take action at its next meeting to complete the turnover.
Next steps: Superintendent Pedraza said the district will confirm the town manager’s acceptance and, if accepted, will bring a motion to the committee at the next meeting to transfer custody and control of Wakefield Elementary to the town.
